Saddest ever Channel 4 Grand Designs house gets lifeline from Michael Jackson’s former bodyguard

Michael Jackson’s former bodyguard wants to buy Grand Designs’ ‘saddest home’.

Multi-millionaire, Matt Fiddes has expressed renewed interest in buying Chesil Cliff House, famously dubbed the “saddest home” on Channel 4’s Grand Designs. The house, located in Croyde, North Devon, gained notoriety after owner Edward Short’s marriage fell apart and he plunged into debt trying to build and sell his dream coastal home.

The former bodyguard, who previously made a £7.5m bid for the property in 2022, said: “I built my property portfolio in the South West and I know the market, I know how it works.” He also revealed that he had warned Short about the need to lower the price, adding: “I told Edward face to face and said it wouldn’t sell but you can lead a horse to water and all that.

“I do feel sorry for the guy as no one wants to see anyone lose everything.” The 44-year-old millionaire, who is considering turning the property into 12 apartments, has had his interest piqued after the property was relisted on Rightmove for £5.25m, which was exclusively revealed by the Mirror earlier this month.

He said “I am going to enquire into it today, it just had to be available at the right price. It is an incredible property but it should have been split into two separate properties.

“I would turn it into 12 apartments as myself and my wife and spoke with Knight Frank and it is perfect for that. We would rent the other house and make thousands.”

Matt, a global martial arts school owner, has fond memories of family holidays in Croyde and now hopes to return. “My family saved up to go there and I created my plans for the martial arts school there so I would love to go back there,” he shared.

He also mentioned his understanding of local residents’ concerns about his plans, saying, “The residents want it abolished and knocked down. I know the leader of the local council and I would like to explain my plans and hope to get their approval.”

Matt added: “I won’t do it if they don’t want it as the place means a lot to me because of my roots as I took my holidays there.” Originally started on a budget of £1.8million with the hopes of being completed within 18 months, the doomed project resulted in Edward Short splitting from wife Hazel.

Chesil Cliff House ended up costing owner Edward, not only his marriage, but it left him in £7million of debt. The incredible coastal mansion near Braunton, North Devon, was designed to resemble a lighthouse and took 12 years to build.

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